D
Dicread
HomeDictionarySspeaking

Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.

speaking

to utter words / to use a language / the act of talking
Intransitive VerbTransitive Verb[U] Uncountable
past: spokepp: spokening: speaking

This term emphasizes the active production of vocal sound to convey meaning, distinguishing it from the passive act of listening or the silent act of writing. It carries a connotation of presence and immediacy, often implying a social or public interaction where the speaker holds the floor to influence or inform an audience.

Used as an abstract activity or skill, such as in the phrase "speaking is a difficult skill to master."

Meanings

Intransitive Verbto utter words
[doing ~]

To utter words or communicate orally.

He is speaking to the crowd.

Transitive Verbto use a language
[~ someone][~ something]

To articulate sounds or use a language.

She speaks three languages fluently.

Nounthe act of talking

The act or faculty of using the voice to communicate.

Her public speaking is impressive.

Related Words

silencemutenessvoicelanguagespeechcommunicationdialogueconversationarticulationpronunciationvocabularydialectfluencyorationrhetoriclecturediscourseutterancevocalizemouthtongueglottisphoneticslinguisticsinterlocutormonologueeloquencestutterwhispershoutaudibleverbal
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error